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Sounds like he was hounded out over misinterpretation, which is ridiculous.
This is a serious current issue, however. Creationism MUST be discussed in science lessons - if only to show that all of the available evidence shows it to be implausible. The history of cosmology - what people thought were the origins of the Earth and the Universe - should be taught, and how as more evidence came to light, theories have changed over time.
I wish scientists who believed in creationism would be more honest about it though, but I can see why they wouldn't since they could lose their job, but if they don't beleive what they are teaching then why are they teaching?
Creationism MUST be discussed in science lessons - if only to show that all of the available evidence shows it to be implausible.
I agree, Phoenix. I am often torn between saying Creationism has no place in a science class and the fact that it is relevant to a person's overall education and critical thinking skills. I think your way is better. Get it out there and let kids process their own information, start discussions with the parents, teachers, and each other. I suppose that is where the problem is, though. Where does a teacher draw the line on such a contentious subject?Alt.Creationism
I agree with both of you and Professor Michael Reiss.
Let the science geeks prove their point and win the discussion. By backing off with over-the-top reactions, is not helping them and their opinions.
"I believe the Royal Society should have supported him and used this opportunity to further a reasoned debate". Roland Jackson, British Association for the Advancement of Science.
Well done Roland Jackson. Is he the only geek with a penis?
This is a serious current issue, however. Creationism MUST be discussed in science lessons - if only to show that all of the available evidence shows it to be implausible. ?
Dude. C'mon.
Creationism should be taught in English lessons where fiction gets dealt with :-)
If creationism is taught in science, than evolution and atheism should be taught in religious studies and made manadatory for all faiths to learn and be aware of.
If science was taught properly within schools and universities we'd have time to look at a variety of theoretical interpretations - that would include being able to critique creationism, but also other widely held views within science that also don't always hold water.
The whole time we set up science as superior and refuse to adequately critique it, and the whole time we make out anyone with a smidgen of a faith view is backward thinking, then we'll continue to offer poor critical thinking and allow bad science and creationism to flourish side-by-side.
There's a lot of shouting about this issue by folk who have never really found out what creationism is. It's easy to be led by a media debate into an anti faith stance, but if you're following good scientific principles you should only do so after you've attempted to fully understand what you're arguing against.
If we're training people to understand either science or society (school or college level) they need to know that religion plays a major role in many people's lives globally. We need to explore how different faiths see the creation story (not all do it in the same way) and understand why creationism has become such a political and personal issue at various points in history. Rather than just attacking it on a 'it doesn't stand up to scientific analysis/truth' level we need to look at why it is important to some people to believe in creationist views, and what problems can occur as a result.
In an era where theory allows us to embrace multiple positions we can also allow for and understand scientists who, if not hold creationist views, do have a strong religious faith. If we start telling people that having a faith or wanting to engage in discussions about creationism means they're not 'proper scientists' then we're also not 'proper scientists' ourselves.
If we're training people to understand either science or society (school or college level) they need to know that religion plays a major role in many people's lives globally. We need to explore how different faiths see the creation story (not all do it in the same way) and understand why creationism has become such a political and personal issue at various points in history. Rather than just attacking it on a 'it doesn't stand up to scientific analysis/truth' level we need to look at why it is important to some people to believe in creationist views, and what problems can occur as a result.
Thats for anthropologists and sociologists to analyse.
It is not the place for a science lesson about origins of the universe.
